Difference Between Acne and Rosacea Explained

External conditions and advancing age result to several dermatological conditions. Rosacea and acne are among the top skin conditions currently. Many people, including dermatology experts, often confuse these two conditions. However, the two skin diseases have different pathological causes, manifestations, diagnosis and treatment therapies. To begin with, acne, commonly known as acne vulgaris, is a skin condition where the oil glands located at the base of hair follicles are affected. It often occurs when secreted and accumulated oils and dead skin cells clog the skin pores. On the other hand, rosacea is a long-term and non-curable skin condition. Compared to acne, which is common in the young teenage population, rosacea affects old adults ranging from 30 to 50 years. Due to this, it is commonly referred to as adult acne. Having said this, rosacea and acne look almost alike from a distance. Many people confuse the two when asked what can cause red spots on the skin. Distinguishing between the two is therefore quite daunting. Therefore, what are the main distinguishing factors between the two conditions?

Causes And Risk Factors

Whereas acne and rosacea are similar, they have different causes and risk factors precipitating their occurrence. When it comes to acne, four main factors are behind their occurrence.

• Oil production
• Dead skin
• Clogged pores
• Bacteria

Precipitating Factors Of Acne Include:

• Hormones such as androgens, which increase during puberty causing the sebaceous glands to enlarge, secreting more sebum. Pregnancy and use of oral contraceptives also result to increased sebum production.
• Certain medications- Corticosteroids and lithium can worsen acne.
• Diet- Dairy and carbohydrate-rich foods may precipitate acne.
• Stress. On the other hand, rosacea is hugely a neurovascular problem. Some of the primary causes include:
• Abnormalities in facial blood vessels
• Light skin color
• Microscopic mite or Demodex folliculorum
• Helicobacter pylori bacteria commonly found in the gut. They stimulate the production of bradykinin causing dilation of blood vessels.
• Inheritance and genes

Risk factors of rosacea include:

• Hot foods
• Hot drinks
• Caffeine
• Spicy foods
• Dairy products
• Weather conditions including sunlight, humidity, winds
• Corticosteroids
• Some medications including high blood pressure drugs
• Acute medical conditions such as cold and fever
• Alcohol

Signs And Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of the two conditions greatly differ. To begin, acne has the following signs and symptoms.

• Whiteheads
• Blackheads as the clogged oil turns brown
• Small red and tender bumps
• Pimples or pustules with pus
• Large, solid and painful lumps under the skin surface

With rosacea, the signs and symptoms include:

• Facial redness due to dilation of small capillaries in the face
• Swollen red bumps or pimples
• Hot and tender skin
• Eye problems including irritations, eye dryness, swollen and red eyelids.
• Enlarged nose

Diagnosis

Like any other health conditions, diagnosis of these skin diseases is primarily based on history taking. However, for acne, lesions are common in the face, neck, chest, back and upper arms. Similarly, rosacea diagnosis is not definite. Medics and experts rely on history and symptoms of the client to diagnose the condition. Physical examination is also necessary. For the two conditions, various tests may be undertaken to rule out differential conditions such as psoriasis, lupus, and psoriasis.

Treatment

Over the counter medications may not be effective in treating acne and rosacea. You should, therefore, consider consulting a dermatologist to answer what can cause red spots on the skin. Acne medications work by reducing oil production, fighting bacterial infections, reducing inflammation and speeding up the cell turnover. Experts will, therefore, prescribe medications depending on the severity of acne. Some of the meds prescribed for acne include:

• Topical medications. The effectiveness of topical drugs is increased when applied to a clean and dry skin. Some of the common topical drugs include retinoids, antibiotics, and dapsone or aczone.
• Oral medications. These are used for moderate and severe forms of acne. Antibiotics, anti-androgen agents, isotretinoin and combined oral contraceptives are just but a few to mention.
• Other therapies for acne include light therapy, chemical peels, steroid injections and extraction of whiteheads and blackheads.
• For scars, soft tissue fillers, chemical peels, laser resurfacing and skin surgery can be used.

On the other hand, rosacea treatment involves drugs that reduce redness, oral antibiotics, and isotretinoin. Therapies can also be used under severe conditions. Recently, alternative medicines including massage have been proved to reduce inflammation and facial swelling.

Conclusion

Acne and rosacea are common dermatological conditions of current times. Treating them is, however, a challenge due to the confusing and daunting identification and differentiation. Besides, antibiotic resistance is increasing with these conditions. When affected, therefore, ensure that you observe and explain to your doctor clearly about the presenting signs and symptoms. They will be of aid when it comes to identifying the treatment therapies.